Season 2 Power Rankings edition 5(week 14)

After a little hiatus, the Power Rankings return with 5 teams jumping into the rankings. The theme of this season has been parity, parity, parity. Currently at the time of this writing there is only 1 division locked up and 1 close to being locked up with the other 6 within a game or 2 of each other and most meet in the final weeks of the season. I’ve never had a season that has been so wide open with so many teams having a shot at the postseason this late in the season and this is why this league is the best league out there. Without further ado, your power rankings:

Power Rankings Season 2 edition 5(week 14)

1) Indianapolis Colts( Prev: 1) – After a sudden change in ownership in week 12, the Colts welcome new owner Russ and all he has done is keep the Colts undefeated in his 2 games since taking over. Under Russ, the Colts appear to have a new gameplan focused more on defense and running and it appears to be working as they won 2 straight road games since Russ took over. The Colts have a tough road left with the Bucs, Texans and Jets still on their schedule and must keep up their undefeated streak to hold off the Jets and Pats for the #1 seed in the AFC.

2) St. Louis Rams(Prev:3) – The frontrunner in the NFC, the Rams come in riding a 7 game win streak. What’s most impressive about it is that the rams have held 4 of their last 5 opponents under 9 points including 1 shutout. Add that with their explosive offense led by Sam Bradford and Steven Jackson and the Rams are primed for a long playoff run this year.3) New York Jets(Prev:4) – Coming in riding their own winning streak of 6 games the Jets land at #3. Since the return of Mark Sanchez in week 10 the offense appears to have hit its stride averaging almost 42 points a game since his return. The Jets got the signature win in a week 12 matchup with the rival Pats and now control their own destiny in wrapping up the AFC East, which won’t be easy with games remaining against the Bills and Pats.

4) New England Patriots(Prev:2) – Coming off a stunning loss to the Jets in week 12 the Pats were able to hold off an upset minded Dolphin team in week 13. With Pat Chung and Jerod Mayo sidelined for the season and Vince Wilfork and Wes Welker also out the Pats will have to hope they can get through the rest of the regular without suffering any injuries. With a tough slate ahead including games against the Giants, Jets, Titans and Skins it’s time for the Patriots to show their true grit.

5) Denver Broncos(Prev:UR) – Winners of 4 straight, the Broncos are getting hot at the right time and have established themselves as the team to beat in the AFC West. Backed by a strong running game with Shonn Greene and a defense ranked in the top 7 in all categories the Broncos have the formula to make some noise in the playoffs. As long as they can pound the ball and play solid defense without having to rely too heavily on rookie Jamarcus Austin, the Broncos will be a tough matchup.

6) Dallas Cowboys(Prev:7) – Leaders of the NFC North, the Cowboys come in at #6 on a 3 game winning streak including 2 straight divisional wins with one being over last year’s NFC Champ NY Giants. As he is known for, Marvis once again has one of the league’s top defenses ranking in the top 12 in all major categories but the story with this team has to be the emergence of 3rd year wideout Kevin Ogletree who is leading the team in receptions and yards. Add in the other weapons on offense and the Cowboys can pose problems for everybody it faces.

7) Carolina Panthers(Prev:UR) – The NFC South leading Caroline Panthers come in at #6 on the heels of a 3 game winning streak. Riding one of the best offenses in the league, the Panthers can put up points with anyone. However, with a defense that’s statistically in the bottom half and you see why the Panthers are 7-5. They have a very important game against the Bucs in week 14 which may decide who wins the division so the Panthers have a lot at stake.

8) Chicago Bears(Prev:UR) – Winners of 4 of their last 5 and leading the NFC North the Bears come in at #8. Boasting one of the league’s top passing offenses the Bears have maybe one of the most dangerous wideout cores with Santonio Holmes, Johnny Knox and Devin Hester. But their lack of a consistent running game and a porous defense are holding this team back. If they can continue to improve the Bears can hold off the Packers and Vikes and clinch their first playoff birth.

9) Tampa Bay Bucs(Prev:UR) – In at #9, the young Bucs make it back onto the list. Statistically this team should not be where they are with a mediocre offense but their stingy defense keeps them in almost every game and just needs the offense to make a play or 2 to get the win. Their week 14 game against the Panthers will decide a lot and it’s a game they need to win if they have a shot at the playoffs with so many teams hovering around .500 waiting to jump at their chance to make the playoffs.

10) Houston Texans(Prev:UR) – Rounding out our top 10, the Texans come in winning 5 of their last 6. With an offense that can be explosive at times and a defense in the top 7 in points allowed the Texans can surprise many people and make a run at the playoffs if they get there. With 3 of their final 4 games in the division the Texans will need to make a statement to let the league know they are for real and are a team to be reckoned with.